Heidi Norton
If you have old perfume lying around, there are several ways to repurpose it instead of throwing it away. Old perfumes can be used as a room or linen spray, or to scent your bathwater. They can also be used to make candles or as a natural fragrance for DIY bath products. You can also sell or donate old perfume bottles, or use them as decorative items. However, it is important to note that old perfumes may cause skin irritation or allergies, and should not be used if they have expired.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Use old perfume as a room freshener, linen spray, or air freshener in the bathroom. |
| Use it in the bath, or to scent homemade candles or bath products. | |
| Spritz it on laundry, sheets, pillows, covers, backpacks, or tissue paper to stuff in stored clothing. | |
| Sell it, especially if it's a rare or ornate bottle. | |
| Donate it to women's shelters. | |
| Upcycle the bottle as a flower vase, oil burner, reed diffuser, or oil spray bottle. | |
| Recycle the bottle, checking with your local recycling program first. | |
| Hazards | Old perfume may cause skin irritation, allergies, or health problems. |
| It contains alcohol and other potentially hazardous chemicals, so must be disposed of properly. |
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What You'll Learn
Use it as a room or linen spray
Old perfumes can be used as room or linen sprays. This is a great way to use up leftover perfume without wasting it. Firstly, check if your perfume has expired or gone bad. Perfume should maintain its potency for at least a year or two, but it can start to lose its fragrance after that. If the scent has changed or become strange, it is best to dispose of it properly and not use it on your skin. However, if the perfume is still within its expiration date, it can be used as a room or linen spray.
To use old perfume as a room spray, mix a few drops of the perfume with water in a spray bottle. You can then use this to freshen up the air in a room. Alternatively, you can spritz the perfume liberally throughout the space or add a few drops to boiling water. The fragrance will saturate the room due to the aromatic water vapour.
Old perfume can also be used as a linen spray to lightly scent your sheets, pillows, and covers. Simply spray the perfume directly onto the linens, or spritz it onto a handkerchief or tissue paper and toss it in with your laundry. This will give your clothes a faint aroma.
Another way to use old perfume as a linen spray is to apply it to cotton balls and place them in a small dish or sachet. These can be put in drawers, closets, or other small spaces to freshen up the air. You can also try dabbing some cotton balls with your scent and putting them in a tiny cotton bag to carry with you on the go.
Using old perfume as a room or linen spray is a creative way to get your money's worth and ensure you never have to throw away another perfume bottle. It is important to note that perfume contains alcohol and other potentially hazardous chemicals, so it should be used sparingly and not poured down the drain or thrown in the trash.
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Make DIY candles
Making candles from old perfume is a fun and creative way to make use of unwanted fragrances. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own scented candles at home:
Choose your wax
Firstly, decide on the type of wax you want to use. Popular options include soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax. You can also reuse old candles by melting them down and adding your chosen fragrance.
Prepare your setup
Before you begin, gather your equipment. You will need a double boiler or a heat-resistant container to melt your wax, a thermometer to monitor the temperature, a heat-resistant container to pour your candle into (this could be a jar, mould, or any suitable vessel), and a wick.
Melt the wax
Using your double boiler or heat-resistant container, gently melt your chosen wax. Aim for a temperature of around 185°F (85°C). This temperature ensures the wax will properly bind with the perfume.
Add your fragrance
Once the wax is melted, it's time to add your chosen perfume. Slowly stir in the fragrance, being careful not to splash. The amount of perfume you need will depend on the strength of the scent and the volume of wax. A good rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 1 ounce of perfume per pound of wax. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Prepare the wick
While the wax is cooling, prepare your wick. Allow the wax to cool to about 135°F (57°C), then place the wick in the centre of your heat-resistant container. You can secure it in place with a bit of melted wax.
Pour and set
Carefully pour the scented wax into your chosen container. Avoid disturbing the wax to achieve a smooth finish. Allow it to cool completely.
Trim the wick
Once your candle is completely cool, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. Your candle is now ready to light and enjoy!
You can experiment with different fragrances and even add colouring to create unique, personalised candles. Making DIY candles is a fun way to recycle old perfume and create a cosy, aromatic atmosphere in your home.
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Use it in your bath
Using old perfume in your bath is a great way to make your bathing experience more enjoyable and luxurious. Here are some detailed tips and ideas to guide you on how to use old perfume in your bath:
Choose the Right Perfume:
Start by selecting a perfume that you no longer use or one that may be past its prime. Avoid using expired perfume directly on your skin, as it may cause skin irritation or allergies. Instead, opt for using it in your bath water to still enjoy its scent. If you have multiple options, choose a perfume with oriental woody notes, as these tend to be more stable and suitable for bath use.
Prepare Your Bath:
Draw yourself a warm, relaxing bath as you usually would. Consider adding other bath products like bath bombs, bath salts, or oils that complement the scent of your chosen perfume. You can even create your own DIY bath products using the old perfume as a natural fragrance. For example, make a simple sugar scrub by mixing the perfume with sugar and a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.
Add the Perfume to Your Bath:
Now, it's time to add the perfume to your bath. Start by pouring a few drops of the perfume into the bathwater. Use a light hand, as a little goes a long way, and you can always add more if needed. Swirl the water gently with your hand to distribute the perfume evenly throughout the bath. If you want a more subtle scent, you can also spritz the perfume into the air above the bath, creating a fragrant steam effect.
Enhance the Experience:
To make your bath even more indulgent, light some scented candles or turn on soft music. You can even create a romantic mood by dimming the lights and adding fresh flowers to the bath area. Take your time and relax in the fragrant water, allowing the scent to envelop your senses.
After Your Bath:
Once you've finished your bath, you can continue to enjoy the scent of the old perfume. Apply moisturiser or body oil to your skin to lock in the fragrance and keep your skin hydrated. You can also spritz a handkerchief or tissue with the same perfume and place it in your wardrobe or drawers to give your clothes a subtle aroma.
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Recycle the bottle
Recycling old perfume bottles is an eco-friendly way to protect ecosystems, save energy, and reduce waste. If you're looking to recycle your old perfume bottles, here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
First, check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept perfume bottles. Not all recycling centres can accept them, but they can advise you on which materials are recyclable. Look for a triangular arrow symbol with a number inside on the bottom of the bottle—this indicates the type of glass used. Call your local recycling company or do some research to confirm if they accept this type of glass.
Before recycling, disassemble and thoroughly clean your perfume bottles. Standard spritzer tops need to be taken apart by removing the exterior cap and pulling off the nozzle. If you plan to reuse the nozzle, set it aside; otherwise, discard it. Plug-style perfume tops, commonly found on cologne bottles, do not have a nozzle and can be cleaned without disassembly.
If your local recycling centre doesn't accept perfume bottles, consider posting them on online marketplaces such as Facebook, Craigslist, or eBay. Collectors or crafters may be interested in purchasing these bottles, especially if they are rare or ornate. Alternatively, you can donate the bottles to crafters or schools for art projects.
Remember, recycling and repurposing old perfume bottles is not only environmentally conscious but can also be a fun and creative way to showcase your artistic side.
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Sell or donate the bottle
If you have a bottle of perfume that you no longer want, selling or donating it is a great option. Not only will you be giving the bottle a new lease of life, but you might even make some money or help out a worthy cause in the process.
Before selling or donating your old perfume bottle, it's important to clean it out and remove the nozzle and plastic hose, as these typically can't be recycled. You can then list the bottle on a popular auction website such as eBay or uBid, where collectors or crafters may be interested in purchasing unique or
If you'd prefer to donate your old perfume bottle, there are several options available. You could post it on a free online marketplace such as Freecycle or Craigslist, where people are often looking for pretty glass bottles to upcycle. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and avoid posting your personal information online. Another option is to contact the manufacturer or retailer, as some companies have recycling programs and will accept donations of used bottles. Additionally, certain organizations accept donations of partially used bottles of perfume, although it's important to read their guidelines carefully before sending in your donation.
Whether you choose to sell or donate your old perfume bottle, you'll be contributing to reducing waste and protecting the environment. So, instead of throwing away that old bottle, consider passing it on to someone who will appreciate its beauty and find a new purpose for it.
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Frequently asked questions
Old perfumes can be used in a variety of ways, including as a room freshener, linen spray, or air freshener in the bathroom.
No, using old perfume on your skin may cause skin irritation, allergies, or other health problems. Perfumes also have a shelf life and can go bad, so it is not recommended to use them on your skin if they are past their expiration date.
Old perfume bottles can be recycled, sold, or donated. They can also be upcycled and reused as decorative items, such as flower vases or oil burners.
Old perfume can be used to make DIY candles, bath products, or room diffusers. It can also be added to your bathwater for a unique and enjoyable experience.
Yes, you can sell your old perfume online on platforms like Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, or Etsy. However, it is important to disclose that the perfume is old and provide an accurate description of its condition.
